SPIRULINA

Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and carotenoids. It is known as a super food because it contains more nutrition than any other food on Earth.

BENEFITS

Helps to remove toxins from the blood and boosts the immune system

Spirulina is very high in chlorophyll (green substance in plants) that allows to transform sun light into energy and helps to remove toxins from the blood, boost the immune system, control the herpes simplex virus – 2 and has a potential in the treatment of HIV-1, HSV–1, HCM infections and AIDS!
Spirulina is 65-71% complete protein, comparing to beef which has only 20-22% protein and is very essential for growth and healthy development of children.

Source of bio-available iron

Moreover it’s an excellent source of bio-available iron and that is why recommended for pregnant women, vegetarians and especially for those with anaemia.

Stress and sleep disorders

Because of its nutrition profile, this super food helps to cope with anxiety and stress (mental and physical), depression and insomnia.

Burns fat, restores energy

Spirulina is an extremely high energy food, so it’s a great supplement before and after your workout. Spirulina provides your body with eight very essential amino acids, building blocks of proteins, increasing fat-burning during the exercise and decreasing hunger pangs. As it’s rich in chlorophyll it also can help to reduce the inflammation thus improve your workout routine.

Powerful antioxidant and anti-age

Spirulina with its strong antioxidants and its high content of vitamin A, B-12, C, E and beta carotene, - attacks and neutralizes free radicals and other toxins that increase aging effect and skin problems. Therefore it makes you look younger, your skin glowing, improves sagging, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, improves elasticity and slows down the aging process in general.

Maintains healthy eye sight, benefits hair and nails

Spirulina helps those who struggle with poor vision problems, maintaining normal and healthy eyesight because of its large number of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene.

Reduces high cholesterol levels

Because of the combination of vitamin B and iron, along with its antioxidant properties, studies showed that spirulina keeps your blood sugar at proper level and maintains an optimum level of hemoglobin in blood, therefore can treat anemia. Gamma Lenolenic Acid (GLA) helps to fight arthritis and diabetes; takes care of heart health and balances hormones in old age groups.

Treats allergies

Some researchers showed positive feedback on treating allergies, where spirulina inhibited the production of Interleukin-4. Interleukin-4, or IL-4 for short, cytokine that promotes the production Immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that can trigger an allergic reaction such as seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by pollen (i.e. hay fever) or perennial allergic rhinitis which is caused by airborne allergens other than pollen.¹
Phosphorus in Spirulina can also remineralize your teeth naturally.

Helps to prevent cancer

Most importantly, numerous studies have shown that Spirulina’s extracts, a great source of antioxidants, combat cell and DNA damage which can lead to cancer (breast, liver and oral) in humans and animals, as well as heart-related and many other chronic diseases.

COMPARATIVE NUTRITIVE VALUE

Protein

(g per 100g)

Eggs
Milk
Soybeans
PulsesSpirulina

13.3
4.3
43.2
24.055.0

Beta carotene

(mcg per 100g)

Carrots
Spinach
MangoSpirulina

1890
5580
2740190000

Vitamin B-12

(mcg per 100g)

MilkSpirulina

0.65.0

Iron

(mg per 100g)

Soybean
SpinachSpirulina

11.5
10.932.2

SIDE EFFECTS

Toxicological studies of the effects of spirulina consumption (humans and animals) have shown that it’s relatively safe and there are no toxic effects. However, it all depends on quality and dosage. You must avoid Spirulina products if you have phenylketonuria. For more details please visit your doctor.

INTERESTING FACTS

Spirulina was a food source for the Aztecs in 16th century Mexico, as it’s harvesting from Lake Texcoco and sale as cakes is described by one of Cortés’ soldiers. The Aztecs called it Tecuitlatl, which means the stone’s excrement.²

Spirulina is also understood to have an even longer history in Chad, as far back as the 9th century Kanem Empire. It is still in daily use today, dried into cakes called “Dihe” or “Die” which are known to make broths for meals, and in addition sold in markets.3

In 1988, both NASA (CELSS) and the European Space Agency (MELISSA) suggested spirulina as one of the primary foods to be cultivated during long-term space missions.4